From July 6 to 10, 2026, the Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School hosted its annual International Summer Exploration Camp, bringing together nearly 80 outstanding students from 27 countries, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan, for a five-day immersion in academic research and urban innovation.
As part of the camp, the School of Advanced Materials (SAM) organized a series of engaging activities designed to offer both depth and hands-on experience. Participants visited Professor Meng Hong's laboratory, where they fabricated electrochromic devices — a direct introduction to experimental materials science. Faculty members Xu Yadong and Hong Mei, together with Ph.D. students, delivered talks on frontier research topics. The program also included a "Materials Mystery Box" guessing game and a campus tour, creating a relaxed yet intellectually stimulating environment for students from diverse backgrounds.
The camp featured four core components: distinguished lectures, academic exchanges, industry site visits, and cultural immersion. At the opening ceremony, Wang Tianbing, Vice Dean of PKU Shenzhen, welcomed the participants and highlighted the institution's 25-year trajectory of growth and innovation. Guest speaker Huang Haifeng, a visiting professor at the School of Environment and Energy, delivered a lecture on cross-cultural leadership, encouraging students to embrace openness and mutual understanding.
Industry visits took participants to the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, XtalPi, Tencent's Binhai Tower, and Insta360 — offering firsthand exposure to cross-border research collaboration, AI-driven drug discovery, and smart imaging ecosystems. These visits showcased the dynamism of the Greater Bay Area as a rising hub for technological innovation.
Throughout the week, cultural activities enriched the experience. Students tried their hands at Chinese calligraphy and paper-cutting, explored Shenzhen's Futian and Nanshan districts by sightseeing bus, and bonded over badminton, table tennis, and billiards. Evenings brought impromptu guitar sessions, with British folk songs adding a warm touch to the campus nights.
The camp closed on July 10 with remarks by Lin Honghai, Director of Academic Affairs at PKU Shenzhen, who encouraged participants to remain curious about the world, about others, and about themselves. Students shared their reflections and wrote messages of gratitude on postcards bearing the Peking University emblem. A collective sing-along of"Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies"and"See You Again"brought the journey to a heartfelt close.
The 2026 International Summer Exploration Camp underscored PKU Shenzhen's growing appeal as a global academic destination. Through intellectual exchange and cultural connection, students forged bonds that will endure across borders. SAM looks forward to welcoming more young talents to explore the frontiers of materials science and shape the future together.
